Belize Police Department issues official results of Sotz’ post mortem

Wednesday, June 10th, 2015

Press Release – Belize Police Department – Wednesday June 10, 2015 – The Commissioner of Police wishes to update the family of the late Hilberto Sotz and the citizenry on the outcome of both criminal and internal investigation conducted in this rather unfortunate incident that occurred on Monday June 8, 2015 in Caye Caulker Village.

At the conclusion of the criminal investigation and the result of the post mortem examination conducted which certified cause of death to be “Vascular shock pronounced massive heart thrombosis acute post traumatic cerebral edema as a result of trauma to the head and body, on Wednesday, June 10 at 3:40 pm, Leonard Nuñez police constable # 628 and Hallet King police constable # 819 both attached to Caye Caulker police sub-formation were arrested and charged jointly for murder and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith and remanded into custody until July 14, 2015. Both PCs Nunez and King, who were charged criminally, have also been charged disciplinary.

Leonard Nuñez and Hallet King

In addition to PCs Nunez and King who were placed on immediate interdiction, the Commissioner of Police have also placed three (3) other officers on immediate interdiction as investigation revealed that these officers were on duty at the Caye Caulker police station at the time they are;

The Commissioner of Police and the Belize Police department stand by its commitment in maintaining a zero tolerance on abuse of person’s rights as well as any acts of wrong doing by its officers. A plan of action has been developed where effective immediately, Caye Caulker Village will be commanded by a senior officer in the person of Inspector Dehanne Augustine and supported by a senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Sergeant Norman Benguche. Officers have been identified and will be deployed to replace those on interdiction to ensure continuous policing services are provided.

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The Ministry of National Security also extended its condolences

Press Release – Ministry of National Security – June 10th, 2015 – The Ministry of National Security extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hilberto Sotz who died whilst in police custody on Monday, 8, 2015. The Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, condemns the alleged use of unwarranted personal violence by PC Leonard Nunez and PC Hallet King and the apparent neglect of duty by all other Police Officers that were at the Caye Caulker Police station at the time of the incident; who seemly stood by and were slovenly inactive during this entire ordeal. The Minister and Ministry of National Security assure the family as well as the citizenry that a thorough and transparent criminal, as well as internal investigation will be conducted and all those that are found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law. (ENDS)